Crazy Things We Do

I Said I Would

I’m going to Aphganistan for the third time. I need something to keep me alive. I think this is going to be the time I die,” said the man on the other end of the line.

A soldier. Being deployed. Wanted to cancel his AOL Internet. Needed incentive to be alive.

“Would you marry me?”

“Sure. Okay. When you get back.”

I didn’t write down his name. We shared time that day, for those few minutes. I smiled at the thought. I felt warmth inside. He sounded so nice and genuine.

And now, it’s 2026. That was 2005. In late 2004 and early 2005, the major active conflicts being fought were the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan, both of which were part of the broader U.S.-led War on Terror. Other notable conflicts occurring during this time included the Second Chechen War and the Darfur conflict. [1, 2, 3, 4]

I told my daughter and she got upset. The AOL customer service department was closed eventually in 2005 and we were all laid off.

Two decades ago. I wonder what ever became of him! Does he know I was 45 at the time? I wonder if he made it back to the states! If you know of this story, I’d like to hear from you!

I’m married, by the way, so I’m not searching for him to be married. Ha. I’m 65. Elderly. Wrinkled. Greying. Slowing. Dulling. Weakening. All that. My fading is evident. I fell buoyant and vibrant inside, excited about life and full of ideas. Ha, but, like my 95-year-old Dad who is grasping at that last bit of life as a new widower… I am still alive. Vintage. Complex and bold. Sweet yet nutty. Spicey. Combined. Legs still work but they have been through a lot of steps, so be grateful.

Did you make it back? How is your family? How many children do you have? What is your story?